Clamp down on people travelling in motorman's cabin to curb mishaps

A four-member committee appointed to probe the Churchgate station accident has recommended restricting the number of people travelling in the motorman's cabin. They also sought more depots along Western Railway's suburban stations.

A source said, “The panel stated that the number of passes issued to travel in the motorman's cabin should be cut down. It said more number of people travelling in the cabin may lead to distractions and cause more accidents.“

It has also said depots need to be to set up at places at more stations like Dahanu and Virar, so that the motormen can get some rest.Currently , only Churchgate station has a depot. The committee, which includes the chief safety officer, chief motive power engineer (diesel), chief signal engineer and chief electrical engineer (rolling stock), was appointed to investigate the incident and recommend safety measures.

The report blamed on the motor man and the guard for failing to apply the brakes.

The panel has also sought action against another motorman and loco inspector for entering the motorman's cabin of the rake soon after the accident and tampering with the brake.